Tea tree oil has been used for centuries in skin care. But there have been conflicting reports about its efficacy, perhaps more so thanย any other essential oil. Some sing its praises, while others warn against its use.
So what gives? As part of our Ingredient 101 series, here is a deep-dive into it, once and for all.
What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived fromย a plant native to Australia, known asย Melaleuca Alternifolia.ย This oil isย produced through a steaming of the Melaleuca Alternifolia treeโs characteristically scented leaves. If youโve ever used tea tree oil products, youโd likely have noticed its very distinct scent.
Like many other natural and plant-based ingredients, it has aย longย history of usage. This traditional medicine had been used by native Aborigines for centuries, who used it to treat everything from coughs and coldsย to wounds and various skin conditions.
What are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil?
1.ย Kills bacteria:ย One of the major components in tea tree oil is a compound known as Terpinen-4-ol. This is anย active ingredient that helpsย destabilize the cell of acne-causing bacteria, essentially killing it! This makes tea tree oilย effective against acne.
2. Anti-inflammatory:ย Tea tree oil also helpsย quell any existing inflammation and redness, a major benefit for those with acne-proneย skin.ย Scientific studiesย have even shown that this oil works just as well as benzoyl peroxide when it comes to treating acne. Plus it comes with fewer side effects! (e.g. dryness or irritation)
3. Itโs anti-viral and anti-fungal:ย This oil also helps decrease funguses and viruses on the surface of the skin, making it aย viable treatment forย Athleteโs Foot and cold sores!
What type of skin benefits the most from this ingredient?
Oily and acne-prone skin would benefit the most from this ingredient because it will help balance and control oil production.
It is also strong enough to heal acne and blemishes on the skin. Because this ingredient can be strong, we recommend doing a patch test to ensure the ingredient is compatible with your skin type, as everyoneโs skin reacts differently. (if you donโt know how to properly perform a patch test, click here to learn more)
What do the experts say?
Tea tree oil can be drying on the skin, so heed caution. โI suggest applying aย hydrating maskย first and then following with aย spot acne treatment,โ says board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dendy Engelman. โYou donโt want to further irritate the area by stripping the oil, which would kick start the cells into producing more oil [because they think the skin has no oil].โ
DIY recipes should be avoided, especially since high concentrations of the oil may be too harsh on some skin types.
Where can I find it?
NYX Professional Makeup Tea Tree Blotting Papers. These blotting papers are a must-have forย removing excess shineย on oily skin while youโre on the go. Theyโre infused with Tea Tree oil so they wonโt irritate your skin!
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser. This foaming face washโideal for oily skinโhelps remove makeup, dirt, and impurities while providing your skin with a healthy dose of our star ingredient.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Mattifying Facial Toner. After cleansing with the foaming cleanser above, the brand recommends using this toner to help give skin a matte, shine-free finish.
See you next week!!
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